DLC vs In-person Access to HE?

My primary goal is to get into a university by the September 2026 dates. Usually applications for that period starts out late 2025.

Do I need to have my Access to HE grades in hand prior to applying or I can apply while in my Access to HE course?

I assume if the answer is yes to the first one then the only option would be a DLC that starts early in 2025 so by application deadline in early 2026 I have my grades in hand.

Also, I personally favour in-person because it gives you a semblance of what showing up to class will feel like when you’re in college. But I need to be sure choosing a September 2025 Access to HE class will be okay to get in for September 2026